Top 5 Water-Based PCB Recycling Equipment Suppliers in Australia

When it comes to trusted names in water-based PCB recycling, AussieEcoTech Solutions tops the list. Founded in 2010 in Melbourne, this family-owned business has grown into a national leader by focusing on “green tech with grit.” What sets them apart? Their commitment to designing equipment that’s tough enough for Australian conditions but gentle on the environment.

Their flagship offering, the WetSep PCB-2000 , is a star in the circuit board recycling equipment lineup. Built as a fully integrated wet process equipment system, it handles 500–2000 kg of PCB waste per hour—perfect for mid-to-large recyclers. Here’s how it works: first, PCBs are shredded into small pieces, then fed into a water-based separation tank where metals sink and non-metals float. The real magic? AussieEcoTech’s proprietary water process equipment that recycles 95% of the water used, slashing operational costs. They’ve also added a high-efficiency filter press equipment to separate sludge from clean water, ensuring zero harmful discharge.

But it’s not just about hardware. Clients rave about their after-sales support. “We were new to PCB recycling, and their team walked us through every step—from setup to training our staff,” says Mark, operations manager at a Sydney-based e-waste facility. “The hydraulic press machines in the WetSep system are a game-changer; they compact metal residues into dense blocks that are easy to transport and sell.”

With a focus on innovation, AussieEcoTech recently upgraded their systems to include smart sensors that monitor metal purity in real time. This means recyclers can adjust settings on the fly, ensuring they get the highest possible yield from every batch. It’s no wonder they’ve partnered with major players like local councils and electronics manufacturers across the country.

For small to medium-sized recyclers, size matters—and DownUnder Recycling Innovations gets that. Based in Brisbane, this supplier has carved a niche by creating compact, modular wet process equipment that fits into tight spaces without skimping on performance. Think of them as the “small but mighty” option for businesses just starting out or those with limited floor space.

Their bestseller, the CompactWet PCB-500 , is a stripped-down but powerful circuit board recycling equipment unit designed for 100–500 kg/hour processing. Don’t let the size fool you, though. It packs all the essentials: a miniaturized wet separation tank, a compact filter press equipment, and a tabletop hydraulic press machine for small-scale metal compaction. What’s unique? The system is modular, so you can start with the basics and add components (like extra water process equipment or a larger shredder) as your business grows.

“We started with just the CompactWet 500 and now process double the waste by adding a second separation tank,” shares Lisa, owner of a regional recycling co-op in South Australia. “DownUnder’s equipment is built tough—we’ve had ours running 12-hour shifts, 6 days a week, and it’s still going strong after 3 years.”

Affordability is another win. Compared to bulkier systems, the CompactWet line costs 30% less upfront, making it accessible for startups. They also offer flexible financing options, which is a big plus for small businesses. And yes, even their compact units meet Australia’s strict environmental standards, with water process equipment that recycles up to 90% of water and filter press equipment that captures fine particles to prevent air pollution.

DownUnder’s secret sauce? They listen to their customers. “We noticed a lot of small recyclers were struggling with space, so we reimagined the traditional wet process layout,” explains their lead engineer, Jake. “The result is a system that’s 40% smaller but just as efficient as bigger models.”

If “cutting-edge technology” is your priority, Pacific Green Recycling Systems in Perth is the supplier for you. This tech-driven company has made a name for itself by merging water-based processes with AI and automation, creating some of the most advanced circuit board recycling equipment in the market.

Their flagship HydroIntelli PCB Series is a wet process equipment marvel. Equipped with AI-powered cameras and sensors, it can identify different types of PCBs (think computer motherboards vs. smartphone boards) and adjust separation settings automatically. This leads to higher metal recovery rates—up to 98% for gold and silver, according to third-party tests. The system also integrates state-of-the-art water process equipment with UV sterilization to ensure recycled water is free of micro-contaminants, a feature that’s helped them win government contracts for eco-sensitive projects.

But what really impresses clients is the system’s energy efficiency. “Our electricity bills dropped by 25% after switching to Pacific Green,” says Sarah, CEO of a large recycling plant in Western Australia. “Their hydraulic press machines use variable-speed motors that only kick into high gear when needed, and the filter press equipment runs on a timed cycle to avoid overworking.”

Pacific Green isn’t just about selling machines—they’re on a mission to decarbonize recycling. Their latest model, the HydroIntelli X, even includes a solar-compatible power system, allowing recyclers to reduce their carbon footprint further. With clients across Australia and New Zealand, they’re proving that high tech and sustainability can go hand in hand.

While many suppliers focus on general PCB recycling, Australasian Circuit Recovery (ACR) in Adelaide has doubled down on a niche: high-purity metal recovery. Catering to industries like aerospace and medical device manufacturing, where metal quality is non-negotiable, ACR’s wet process equipment is built to extract metals with 99.9% purity—no shortcuts. Their crown jewel, the PureSep Pro , is a circuit board recycling equipment system that’s more lab than machine. It starts with a gentle shredding process to avoid damaging delicate metal components, then uses a multi-stage water process equipment setup: first, a low-turbulence separation tank to prevent metal particles from sticking to plastic, then a series of specialized filters, and finally a high-pressure filter press equipment that squeezes out every last impurity. The result? Metal fines so pure they’re often sold directly to refineries as “near-primary” material. “We supply medical device manufacturers who need ultra-pure copper,” explains David, ACR’s sales director. “Their old dry process left too many impurities, but the PureSep Pro delivers consistency we can rely on.” To ensure quality, ACR even offers on-site purity testing with their mobile lab unit—a service that’s become a huge hit with clients. Of course, this level of precision comes with a higher price tag, but ACR’s clients say it’s worth it. “The premium we get for high-purity metals more than covers the equipment cost,” notes a Queensland-based recycler. Plus, their hydraulic press machines are designed to handle small batches without compromising purity, making them ideal for specialized projects.

Rounding out our list is EcoCycle Australia, a Brisbane-based supplier that’s all about “turnkey solutions.” For recyclers who want a one-stop shop, EcoCycle delivers everything from circuit board recycling equipment to training, maintenance, and even help with regulatory compliance. They’re the perfect partner for businesses that want to hit the ground running without the hassle of piecing together systems from multiple vendors.

Their EcoWet Total Package includes a complete wet process equipment line: shredder, separation tanks, water process equipment, filter press equipment, and hydraulic press machines—all pre-configured to work together seamlessly. What’s unique? They customize the system to your specific needs. “We had a mix of PCBs and cable waste, so they added a cable recycling module to the setup,” says Tom, owner of a regional recycling business. “Now we process two materials with one system.”

EcoCycle also shines in customer education. Their “Recycling Masterclass” program includes on-site training, video tutorials, and a 24/7 support hotline. “When we hit a snag with the water process equipment, their tech support team walked us through fixing it over the phone in 10 minutes,” Tom adds. “You don’t get that kind of service everywhere.”

With a focus on accessibility, EcoCycle offers flexible payment plans and even leases for startups. They’ve also partnered with government grants to help small businesses afford their first recycling system. It’s no surprise they’ve become a favorite among new entrants to the PCB recycling industry.